sensoryoverload,

overstimulated,

100% grateful tho.. ..

joie de vivre….

9 months a long time without that.. Like 9months a long time for someone else to be pregnant.. yaknowhatimean

Throat Lozenges, Honey Lemon Tea, Soup, Seamoss, Vicks vapor rub, Chapstick

Next on this episode of “youve been kissed” now act like the whole family tree…

Who you rollin’ with this tax season matters more than most people realize. Filing taxes isn’t just about submitting paperwork—it’s about trusting someone with your income, your business, and your future. The right tax support can help you maximize refunds, avoid costly mistakes, and stay compliant with the law, while the wrong choice can lead to audits, penalties, or missed opportunities. Whether you’re working a 9–5, running a business, or juggling multiple income streams, choosing a knowledgeable and reliable tax professional ensures you’re making smart money moves and protecting what you’ve worked hard for.

I guess we gotta find more kiss ties.. back to hinge..

also… Am I the only one that walks around trying not to throw up because …everything tries to be about food.. brand, food. business, food. work, food. banks, food. musical track, food. area, food. colors, food.

Intermittent fasting is good for me too.

\\\Co-Habitate in 2026///

Imagine being served a good, nourishing meal in the comfort of your own home—a place that holds warmth, stability, and peace. It’s a space that has the essentials to live well and the foundation to grow, including opportunities to create income and build a future. But what makes it truly complete is sharing it with someone you love.

In a healthy, loving relationship, a home becomes part of the unspoken agreement between partners—a shared investment in care, effort, and vision. It’s where meals are shared, plans are made, and support is given freely after long days. Together, a couple builds not just a household, but a life where comfort and opportunity exist side by side.

In that setting, homeownership is more than an asset. It becomes a symbol of partnership, stability, and mutual commitment—a place where love is practiced daily and where both people can grow, earn, rest, and dream together.

Benefits of “Owning” a Home in 2026

Despite higher home prices and changing interest rates, homeownership in 2026 continues to offer meaningful financial, personal, and long-term advantages. For many Americans, owning a home remains one of the most effective ways to build stability and wealth over time.

1. Long-Term Wealth Building

Owning a home allows you to build equity as you pay down your mortgage and as property values appreciate over time. Unlike rent, which offers no return, mortgage payments contribute toward an asset you own. Historically, real estate has remained a strong long-term wealth builder, even through market cycles.

2. Protection Against Rising Rent

In many U.S. markets, rent continues to rise faster than wages. Homeownership provides predictable housing costs, especially with a fixed-rate mortgage. While taxes and insurance may increase, homeowners are largely protected from the sharp year-to-year rent hikes renters often face.

3. Increased Financial Stability

Owning a home creates a sense of financial security. Instead of being subject to lease renewals or landlord decisions, homeowners have control over their housing situation. This stability is especially valuable in uncertain economic conditions.

4. Tax Advantages

Homeowners may benefit from tax deductions such as mortgage interest and property taxes, depending on individual circumstances. While tax benefits vary, they can reduce the overall cost of owning a home compared to renting.

5. Forced Savings Through Equity

A mortgage acts as a form of forced savings. Each monthly payment increases ownership in the property, helping homeowners accumulate value over time without relying solely on self-discipline to save.

6. Freedom to Customize

Homeownership allows people to renovate, decorate, and modify their living space to fit their needs and lifestyle. This freedom can improve quality of life and increase the home’s value.

7. Potential Rental Income Opportunities

Many homeowners in 2026 use strategies like renting out a room, building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or owning a small multi-unit property. These options can help offset mortgage costs and provide additional income.

8. Community and Personal Roots

Homeownership often leads to stronger connections with local communities. Owners tend to stay longer in one place, which can support neighborhood stability, school continuity, and personal relationships.

9. Hedge Against Inflation

Real estate is often considered a hedge against inflation. As inflation rises, home values and rents typically increase, while fixed mortgage payments remain the same, improving affordability over time.

10. Legacy and Long-Term Planning

A home can become a long-term asset passed down to family members or used later in life for downsizing, refinancing, or retirement planning. It plays a key role in generational wealth for many families.

In 2026, owning a home is about more than just having a place to live. It offers financial protection, long-term growth, personal freedom, and stability in an evolving economy. While it requires planning and commitment, homeownership remains one of the most impactful investments many people can make.

First of the month “pay those bills” season is in action… While in dreamstaces i thought about the benefits of homes… “HOMES” like the GREAT lakes of Michigan.. Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior… Fresh. right?

How about I focus on the excellent benefits of pursuit of living in dwelling units …

🇺🇸 Traditional Homeownership (U.S.)

1. Conventional Mortgage (Most Common)

Down payment: typically 3–20%

• 3% for some first-time buyer programs
• 5–10% is common
• 20% avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Credit score: usually 620+
• Best for: buyers with stable income and decent credit

🏦 Government-Backed Mortgage Options

2. FHA Loan (Federal Housing Administration)

• Down payment: as low as 3.5%
• Credit score: can be 580+ (sometimes lower with larger down payment)
• Pros: easier approval, flexible debt rules
• Cons: required mortgage insurance for life of loan

💡 Popular choice for first-time buyers and younger buyers with limited credit history.

3. USDA Loan (Rural & Suburban Areas)

• Down payment: $0
• Location-based (many suburbs qualify, not just farms)
• Income limits apply
• Pros: no down payment, low interest rates
• Cons: only in eligible areas

4. VA Loan (Military & Veterans)

• Down payment: $0
• No PMI
• Very competitive interest rates
• Only for: eligible veterans, active-duty service members, some spouses

💵 Down Payment Assistance (DPA) – HUGE in the U.S.

5. State & Local First-Time Buyer Programs

Available in all 50 states, often through:

• State housing finance agencies
• City or county programs

They can provide:

• $5,000–$25,000+ toward down payment or closing costs
• Grants or forgivable loans
• Low-interest second mortgages

📌 Often combined with FHA or conventional loans.

🏘️ Lower-Cost Ownership Paths

6. Shared Equity / Community Land Trusts

• You buy the home but share appreciation with a nonprofit
• Home price is below market value
• Great for long-term affordability
• Resale price is capped

7. Manufactured or Modular Homes

• Cost 30–50% less than site-built homes
• Can qualify for FHA, VA, or conventional loans
• Must meet foundation and zoning requirements

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Supported Options

8. Gifted Down Payment

• Family can gift part or all of the down payment
• Must be documented (no repayment expected)
• Very common in U.S. first-time purchases

9. Co-Buying (Joint Ownership)

• Buy with:
  • A partner
  • Sibling
  • Parent
  • Trusted friend
• Combine income to qualify for a larger mortgage
• Legal agreement strongly recommended

🧠 Strategic 2026-Specific Moves

10. House Hacking

• Buy a:
  • Duplex, triplex, or fourplex
  • Rent out extra units
• FHA allows 3.5% down on 2–4 unit properties
• Rental income can help qualify

11. Buying Below Market

• Foreclosures (limited but possible)
• HUD homes
• Homes needing light cosmetic work
• Off-market or direct-to-seller deals

💳 What You Should Prepare (U.S. Buyers)

To be mortgage-ready in 2026:

Credit score goal: 680+ (620 minimum for many loans)
Debt-to-income ratio: ideally ≤ 43%
Emergency fund: 3–6 months of expenses
Savings for:

• Down payment
• Closing costs (2–5% of home price)

Ways to Become a Homeowner in the United States in 2026

Homeownership in the United States in 2026 may seem out of reach, but a range of mortgage options, assistance programs, and alternative housing paths continue to make it possible. Understanding these options can help buyers choose a realistic and affordable route into the housing market.

The most common path remains purchasing a home with a conventional mortgage. Conventional loans typically require a down payment between 3% and 20%, with most lenders expecting a credit score of at least 620. While a larger down payment can eliminate private mortgage insurance, many first-time buyers enter the market with far less by combining savings with assistance programs.

Government-backed loans continue to expand access to homeownership. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% and are more flexible with credit requirements. USDA loans offer zero-down financing for eligible buyers in approved rural and suburban areas, while VA loans provide no-down-payment options and competitive interest rates for veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses.

One of the most affordable but lesser-known options is the NACA program (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America). NACA offers mortgages with no down payment, no closing costs, no private mortgage insurance, and below-market interest rates. Instead of focusing heavily on credit scores, NACA evaluates financial responsibility and requires participants to complete counseling and demonstrate consistent budgeting habits. While the process takes time, the long-term savings can be significant.

Down payment assistance programs are also widely available across the U.S. State and local agencies offer grants or forgivable loans—often ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 or more—that can be used toward down payments or closing costs. These programs are frequently combined with FHA or conventional loans to reduce upfront expenses.

For buyers priced out of traditional housing, modular homes offer a cost-effective alternative. Built in sections in controlled factory environments and assembled on permanent foundations, modular homes meet the same building codes as site-built houses. They often cost 10% to 30% less than traditional construction and qualify for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA financing.

Additional paths include shared equity programs, community land trusts, family gift funds, and co-buying with partners or relatives. Some buyers also use strategies like house hacking—purchasing a small multi-unit property and renting out extra units—to offset monthly housing costs.

Regardless of the path, preparation remains essential. Buyers should aim for strong credit, manageable debt, savings for closing costs, and an emergency fund. While the market remains competitive, homeownership in 2026 is still achievable for those who understand their options and plan strategically.